Ghana welcomes Burkina Tomato export resumption

The Government of Ghana has welcomed the decision by the Government of Burkina Faso to lift the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes, a move expected to ease supply pressures on the local market.

The development was announced through a joint communiqué by Burkinabe authorities, following improvements in the availability of tomatoes for domestic processing and firm commitments by stakeholders to prioritise local industrial needs.

According to Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the decision marks a significant step toward restoring the steady flow of fresh tomatoes into the country. This is anticipated to help stabilise prices and improve access for consumers and traders alike.

Government officials noted that the outcome reflects the strength of ongoing bilateral relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso. In particular, recent engagements led by Trade and Agribusiness Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare on the sidelines of the WTO MC14 in Yaoundé played a crucial role in securing the agreement.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining dialogue with Burkinabe counterparts to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial trading environment between the two countries.

At the same time, Government emphasised its resolve to strengthen Ghana’s domestic tomato industry. Ongoing initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana are being intensified to boost local production, improve yields, and ensure a more reliable supply chain.

Additional measures include expanding irrigation projects to support year-round cultivation, promoting closer collaboration with tomato processors, and allocating land for large-scale farming to meet both industrial and market demands.

The Government also called on tomato traders and industry stakeholders to support these efforts, as it works to balance imports with the long-term goal of building a resilient and self-sufficient tomato value chain in Ghana.